Determine if your calculator is permitted for the ACT exam.
Yes
No
Understanding ACT Calculator Policy
The ACT (American College Testing) has specific rules regarding which calculators are allowed during the exam to ensure fairness and prevent cheating. The goal is to allow calculators that perform basic computations and simple graphing functions, while disallowing devices that can store extensive amounts of information, communicate wirelessly, or have advanced text/symbolic capabilities.
General Guidelines:
Allowed: Basic four-function calculators, scientific calculators, and graphing calculators that do NOT have the prohibited features.
Prohibited:
Electronic writing pads or pen-calculators.
Any calculator with a paper tape printout.
Any calculator with a power cord (rechargeable battery-powered calculators are fine).
Any calculator that can access the internet or has cellular, wireless, Bluetooth, or infrared technology.
Any calculator with a QWERTY keyboard layout (unless it's a graphing calculator and doesn't have other prohibited features).
Any calculator that has keys with letters that are on the calculator keypad (e.g., "COS," "SIN," "TAN," "LOG," or "LN").
Any calculator that can "talk" or make noises.
Any calculator that can record or play audio or video.
Any calculator that can accept an input that is a stored value or a variable (unless it is a graphing calculator that can store variables).
Any calculator that uses an automatic paper advance or cutting device.
Any calculator that has a calculator-top computer or a computer that is connected to the calculator.
How This Calculator Works:
This calculator provides a preliminary check based on the information you provide about your calculator's model and its advanced features.
1. Calculator Model: While we cannot maintain an exhaustive list of every single calculator model ever produced, entering the model name or number helps identify common calculators. ACT officially maintains a list of banned calculators, and if your model is on that list, it is prohibited. This tool does not directly check against ACT's official banned list but uses general knowledge of commonly used calculators.
2. Graphing/Programmable Features: ACT permits most standard scientific and graphing calculators. However, the critical factor is whether these advanced calculators have features that are explicitly banned. If your calculator has graphing or programming capabilities, it falls into a category that requires closer inspection. ACT's policy generally allows graphing calculators if they do not have prohibited features like internet connectivity, cellular modems, or the ability to store unauthorized content.
Disclaimer:
This tool is intended as a helpful guide only. The final decision on calculator admissibility rests with ACT and the exam proctors. It is always best to:
Check the official ACT website for the most current and complete calculator policy.
Consult the ACT's list of prohibited calculators.
If in doubt, contact ACT directly or be prepared to use a basic calculator provided by the testing center.
Using a prohibited calculator can result in your test scores being canceled.
function checkCalculator() {
var model = document.getElementById("calculatorModel").value.trim().toLowerCase();
var functions = document.getElementById("calculatorFunctions").value;
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
var isProhibited = false;
var reason = "";
// — ACT Prohibited Calculator Keywords —
// This list is illustrative and not exhaustive. ACT's official policy is the definitive source.
var prohibitedKeywords = [
"write", "pad", "pen", "paper tape", "power cord", "internet",
"bluetooth", "wifi", "wireless", "infrared", "qwerty", "letter keys",
"talk", "noise", "audio", "video", "record", "play", "cell", "modem",
"automatic paper advance", "cutting device", "calculator top computer"
];
// Check if the model name itself suggests a prohibited type (common examples)
if (model.includes("casio fx-cg") && model.includes("50")) { // Example: Some Casio CG series might have features ACT dislikes
isProhibited = true;
reason = "Some Casio CG series calculators may have features not allowed by ACT. Please verify.";
} else if (model.includes("hp prime") || model.includes("hp-prime")) {
isProhibited = true;
reason = "The HP Prime is generally not allowed due to advanced features. Please verify.";
} else if (model.includes("ti-nspire cx cas") || model.includes("ti nspire cx cas")) {
isProhibited = true;
reason = "The TI-Nspire CX CAS is prohibited. Non-CAS versions may be allowed if they meet other criteria.";
} else if (model.includes("ti-nspire cx") && model.includes("non-cas") === false) {
// This is a bit tricky, as the CAS version is the main issue.
// We'll flag it for caution if it's not explicitly non-CAS, as users might miss the nuance.
isProhibited = true;
reason = "Ensure your TI-Nspire CX is NOT the CAS version. The CAS version is prohibited.";
}
// Check for general prohibited keywords within the model name or implied features
for (var i = 0; i < prohibitedKeywords.length; i++) {
if (model.includes(prohibitedKeywords[i])) {
isProhibited = true;
reason = "Your calculator model name contains terms that indicate prohibited features (e.g., 'internet', 'qwerty', 'wireless').";
break;
}
}
// If the calculator has graphing/programmable features, it needs closer scrutiny
if (functions === "yes" && !isProhibited) {
// Graphing calculators are generally allowed UNLESS they have specific prohibited features.
// This tool assumes if it's a graphing calculator and no explicit prohibition found, it's likely OK,
// but stresses the need for verification.
reason = "Graphing calculators are generally permitted, but verify that yours does not have any prohibited features (internet, advanced programming, etc.).";
} else if (functions === "no" && !isProhibited) {
// If it's not a graphing calculator and no prohibition found, it's likely allowed.
reason = "Basic scientific or four-function calculators without prohibited features are typically allowed.";
} else if (isProhibited) {
// If already flagged as prohibited, use the existing reason.
}
// Default message if no specific reason found but functions is 'yes'
if (!reason && functions === "yes") {
reason = "Graphing calculators are generally permitted, but verify that yours does not have any prohibited features (internet, advanced programming, etc.).";
} else if (!reason && functions === "no") {
reason = "Basic scientific or four-function calculators without prohibited features are typically allowed.";
} else if (!reason && !model && functions === "yes") {
reason = "Please provide your calculator model for a more accurate assessment. Graphing calculators require careful review of their features.";
} else if (!reason && !model && functions === "no") {
reason = "Please provide your calculator model for a more accurate assessment.";
}
if (isProhibited) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Likely NOT Allowed" + reason + "";
} else {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Likely Allowed" + reason + "";
}
resultDiv.innerHTML += "Disclaimer: This is a guide. Always check the official ACT calculator policy.";
}